Topics and specific purpose lectures

General Purpose of a Speech

• The general purposes encompass the overarching aims of speeches commonly found in basic public speaking classes.

  • Common purposes include:

    • To Inform: Present facts and knowledge about a subject.

    • To Persuade: Convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or action.

    • To Entertain: Engage and amuse the audience.

  • These purposes can vary depending on course level and context.

Specific Purpose of a Speech

• The specific purpose focuses on a narrower topic and dives deeper into the subject matter.

  • It is an essential part of the preparation for a speech.

  • Specific purpose statements must be crafted clearly and often included at the top of the written outline submitted with speeches.

    • Example: "Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about organic gardening."

Importance of Topic Selection

• Choosing a topic that resonates with the speaker is crucial:

  • If a speaker is disinterested or dislikes the topic (e.g., organic gardening), it affects:

    • Voice Tone: The speaker’s delivery may seem uninspired.

    • Dependency on Notes: There may be excessive reliance on note cards due to lack of engagement with the subject.

  • Conversely, speaking about a topic the speaker is passionate about (e.g., snowboarding) can lead to a more engaging and confident delivery.

Audience Consideration

• Understanding the target audience is fundamental in speech preparation.

  • Tailoring the speech to the audience enhances connection and effectiveness:

    • To Inform Audience: Specify what the audience needs to know or understand.

    • Crafting the Message: Define what message is to be delivered and how it resonates with the classmates.